Description
Hearty turkey lentil soup combines tender meat and protein-packed legumes in a comforting Mediterranean-inspired dish. Warm spices and fresh herbs elevate this nourishing meal, offering you a delightful culinary experience that satisfies and nurtures.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) ground turkey (or shredded cooked turkey)
- 6 cups chicken or turkey broth
- 1 (14.5 oz/411 g) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup dry lentils (green or brown), rinsed
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups baby spinach or kale (optional, for extra greens)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (for brightness)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro
- Grated Parmesan cheese (if not dairy-free)
Instructions
- Sauté Base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, creating a smooth, shimmering cooking surface.
- Brown Protein: Add ground turkey, breaking it down and stirring until achieving a rich, golden-brown coloration throughout the entire mixture.
- Build Aromatics: Introduce diced onions, minced garlic, carrots, and celery simultaneously, stirring continuously to develop a complex flavor foundation and prevent sticking.
- Liquid Integration: Pour chicken broth into the pot, then add sorted and rinsed lentils, ensuring even distribution across the liquid base.
- Seasoning Fusion: Sprinkle dried thyme, ground cumin, salt, and pepper into the mixture, blending spices thoroughly to create a harmonious flavor profile.
- Simmer and Develop: Bring the soup to a gentle bubble, then reduce heat to low, covering the pot and allowing ingredients to meld for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent settling.
- Finalize and Serve: Check lentil tenderness by tasting; they should be soft with a slight resistance. Remove from heat, let rest briefly, then ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or a dollop of Greek yogurt for added complexity.
Notes
- Optimize Meat Browning: Ensure ground turkey is thoroughly browned to develop deep, rich flavors and eliminate any raw meat taste. Pat meat dry before cooking to achieve perfect golden-brown caramelization.
- Control Liquid Consistency: Adjust chicken broth quantity based on desired soup thickness. Add more liquid if soup becomes too dense during simmering, maintaining a balanced, hearty texture.
- Lentil Cooking Precision: Avoid overcooking lentils by checking tenderness periodically. Perfectly cooked lentils should be soft but still hold their shape, preventing mushy soup texture.
- Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast spices briefly before adding liquid to intensify their aromatic qualities. Consider adding a splash of acid like lemon juice or vinegar at the end to brighten the overall flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg